Think of this as an urban Tales From The Crypt from executive producer Spike Lee.

Clarence Williams III (of TV's Mod Squad) is the amusing host for a series of racially themed tales that he's telling to some gangstas who've broken into his funeral home.

Our first story has some corrupt racist cops (lead by Wings Hauser who's great) beating to death a black political candidate only for the murdered to come back as a zombie for revenge. A smartly written tale that touches on racial issues, has an okay twist and decent kills and make-up.

The second (and weakest) tale has a young boy blaming his bruises on the "monster in the closet" only for it to turn out to be his abusive father (David Alan Grier in a rare non-comedic role) but, this being a horror movie, there is a twist. It's not too bad and is the most serious story here.

Next up is a story that harkens back to 1975's Trilogy Of Terror (specifically the "Amelia" story) as bigoted politician Corbin Bernsen falls victim to a slew of tiny voodoo dolls that contain the spirits of former slaves. It's an entertaining time with Bernsen especially good.

And lastly, is the effective story of a gangbanger who's sentenced to an odd prison and given a new form of "deprogramming" (shown with some mildly unsettling news footage). It's grimy and has decent mood with Rosalind Cash doing a good job as the head doctor.

Overall this is a socially conscious anthology horror with strong messages that manages to be more poignant and smarter than expected while maintaining it's entertainment value. Good job by co-writer/director Cundieff and his partner co-writer Scott.

Directed By: Rusty Cundieff.
Written By: Rusty Cundieff, Darin Scott.

Starring: Corbin Bernsen, Clarence Williams III, Wings Hauser, Rosalind Cash.